Kolkata, 16 January (H.S.) : Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Malda, extensive security rehearsals involving the Indian Air Force have begun in the district. National Security Guard commandos and the Special Protection Group have taken control of platforms one and two of Malda Town railway station, effectively turning the entire station premises into a high-security zone.

The station area has been redeveloped along airport-style security lines. Statues of sages and eminent personalities have been installed, while decorative lighting has been put up to give the station a visually enhanced appearance in view of the Prime Minister’s visit.

From Friday afternoon till evening, Indian Air Force helicopters carried out multiple rehearsal landings in phases at the helipad located at Laxman Sen Stadium, adjacent to Malda Town station, as well as near the proposed public meeting venue. To further strengthen aerial security, four additional Air Force helicopter pilots have been deployed in Malda as part of the reserve team. Meanwhile, construction work at the Prime Minister’s proposed public meeting venue at Madhaipur, along the bypass road in the Old Malda block, is nearly complete.

According to sources, a “Sleeper Vande Bharat” train is expected to arrive at Malda Town station on Friday night, with its formal inauguration scheduled to be conducted by the Prime Minister on Saturday. In addition, the Prime Minister is likely to inaugurate eight other trains from the same station. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is also expected to reach Malda by Friday evening.

Amid these extensive preparations, however, regular rail passengers are facing considerable inconvenience. The important Gaur Express, which operates between Malda and Sealdah, has been shifted to platform number three since Thursday. This has caused significant hardship for elderly, ailing and women passengers, who are struggling to access the platform due to the heightened security arrangements.

Authorities have said that all measures are being taken to ensure the Prime Minister’s visit proceeds smoothly, while efforts are also underway to minimize inconvenience to the general public.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh